In Japan, Tipping Is Considered Dishonorable

Above, a Japanese taxi cab picking up passengers at JR Nagasaki Station.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many of us in western countries are familiar with the custom of tipping. Tipping has gotten so ingrained in our culture, even people who provided us with terrible service expect a tip (or gratuity).

There are some places in the world where tipping isn't customary and is considered rude. Japan is one of them.

Australia's Courier-Mail web edition has an article on the tipping customs of different countries. This is what they have to say about Japan:

Japan 

In Japan it isn't customary to tip. Tipping creates confusion with recipients questioning why they've been given too much money. In addition, tipping can be seen as dishonourable, although a Japanese person would never raise it, in order to save face. While tipping isn't common, 'service charges' are being introduced at up-market restaurants and in western-style hotel restaurants in Japan.

This also goes for taxi cabs. No tipping!

To read the full article, go here.